Preparations to begin soon for Rhubarb Festival

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Date: 16/02/2015PR4872

We are preparing for large crowds at this year's Food, Drink and Rhubarb Festival which begins in a matter of days.

Stalls will be set up soon for the well anticipated annual event which welcomed more than 125,000 visitors last year. It takes place over three days from Friday 20 February to Sunday 22 February between 10am-5pm (4pm on Sunday).

Cllr Les Shaw, Cabinet Member for Culture and Sport said: "There is a real excitement building for the festival which is now only a few days away.

"Make sure you don't miss out on activities taking place from exclusive cookery demonstrations to some great street entertainment – and of course the chance to buy unique Rhubarb flavoured foods from over 40 different stalls including, sausages, pizzas and pies."

The event will host a range of cookery demonstrations from some of the top celebrity chefs in the country. This includes Brain Turner from BBC 2 Ready Steady Cook, Great British Bake off finalist Luis Troyano, ITV Yorkshire's Flying Cook and World on a plate chef Rachel Green.

There will also be a treat for youngsters with Popular Cbeebies presenter Katy Ashworth hosting a food themed sing-a-long show with interactive games.

Local chefs will also showcase the event with names including Heather Copley from Farmer Copley's, Liam Duffy from Iris Restaurant and Allums Butchers, Stephanie Moon from Rudding Park, James Lodge from Mex Cantina, Ashely McCarthy from Ye Old Sun Inn, Adam Taylor from the Grill Pit and Fiona Sciolti from Sciolti Botanical Chocolates. A cocktail demonstration will also be held by local pub Six Chimneys.

Other activities taking place include street food, Critter workshops, face painting and balloon making in the market as well as walks, tours and a deliciously Yorkshire Market. There will be street entertainment from dance group, The Rhubarb Tarts and the return of the popular Dame Ruby Rhubarb.

There will also be a selection of treats from food stalls including Handmade Burger, Johnsons Toffee, Crepe Lucette, Sausage and Co, Spicy Jack Deli and Café 19.

Local radio station, RidingsFM will be joining in the celebrations by presenting their breakfast show from the city centre.

Wakefield is part of the Wakefield - Morley - Rothwell rhubarb growing triangle and the plant has played an important part in the local economy for over 150 years. Wakefield's famous rhubarb has joined the hallowed ranks of Europe's protected foods, with the same status as Champagne and Parma Ham.